The British government’s policy of incrementally upgrading energy efficiency in UK homes is not enough to meet the country’s 2050 climate targets. Instead, virtually every UK house needs a one-off retrofit, says a new report. It calls for government and cities to commit to pilot schemes for retrofitting whole houses using models such as the Dutch “Energiesprong”, which achieves a near net-zero energy home, typically by adding external insulation … [Read more...]
Post-Brexit carbon tax would set Scotland against UK
The UK is weighing up future carbon pricing options in a post-EU world, but Scotland will not abide a London plan for a national tax because that would impinge on devolved powers. Resolving the issue will not be easy, particularly in the event of a no-deal Brexit, writes Sara Stefanini, Climate Home News. Courtesy of Climate Home News. … [Read more...]
Poorest households hit hardest by UK climate change levy despite using least energy
A levy added to UK household energy bills to help the country meet its climate targets hits the poorest households hardest, write John Barrett and Anne Owen of the University of Leeds. Climate policies should be compatible with social justice, the authors say, adding their research demonstrates it is possible to design a system that is both fair and effective. Article courtesy The Conversation. … [Read more...]
UK capacity market “will boost baseload not balancing power”
The upcoming UK capacity market is supposed to support the integration of renewables into the grid. But will it do that or will it primarily serve to bring new baseload capacity online? UK Power Reserve, an independent developer and operator of small, flexible generators, wonders whether the UK’s plans will squeeze existing providers of flexible capacity or stimulate investment. CEO Tim Emrich tells Energy Post how he has been making money by … [Read more...]
Brussels sets dangerous precedent by clearing UK capacity market
The European Commission has given the green light to a proposed UK capacity market that aims to ensure enough electricity is available to cover consumption at peak times. This is the Commission’s first assessment of a capacity market under new EU guidelines on energy and environment state aid that entered force on 1 July. The Commission says the aid is justified because it will contribute to the UK’s security of supply “without distorting … [Read more...]
Leaked doc: David Cameron’s plans to make the EU fit UK energy policy
After Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, it’s David Cameron’s turn to seize the moment and promote a vision for EU energy security that neatly fits the UK’s own energy objectives. In a leaked “non-paper” seen by Energy Post the UK Prime Minister sets out what he wants EU leaders to agree at their next summit in Brussels in June. Cameron calls for energy security to be embedded in the EU’s 2030 climate and energy package, full freedom to develop … [Read more...]
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